Welcome to the tenth edition of the Media Services information web page for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

As the Games approach in just a few short months, may we take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the 2005 Festive Season.

The Media Services team has enjoyed a busy year preparing for your arrival and working toward ensuring that your coverage of the Games is a smooth and efficient experience.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and interest in the Games to date.As the team moves towards a Games time operation in the New Year, we would like to remind you that should you require any further planning assistance or advice, please don’t hesitate to contact us with the details listed at the end of this update.

I look forward to welcoming you in Melbourne in March 2006,

See you at the Games,

Charmaine DobsonGeneral Manager Marketing and CommunicationsBack to top

ACCOMMODATION – COMMONWEALTH GAMES TRAVEL OFFICE (CGTO)

Accommodation – Dedicated Media Hotels 75% Allocated

Since the release of the media accommodation options in April, 75% of rooms set aside specifically for media have been allocated. The Medina Grand Melbourne, the apartment style option, is at full capacity and now no longer available. The Commonwealth Games Travel Office (CGTO) urges all media to secure their accommodation as soon as possible – rooms at media hotels are subject to availability and will be allocated by the CGTO in order of receipt of reservations.

Applications for media accreditation have now CLOSED. Please ensure you have completed ALL requirements, including Deeds and company letters of authority. Outstanding requirements must be forwarded to M2006 Media Accreditation Coordinator immediately, as we are unable to process an application without the supporting paperwork.

M2006 will be in contact with each organisation to advise the status of your application for media accreditation in the near future.

Please note: All E category Media must arrange their own visa. Accreditation does not entitle you to a visa.

The Village Venue Media Centre (VMC) will operate from the 5March – 27 March 2005. Operating hours of the VMC will be 8:00am – 8:00pm. The Venue Media Centre will consist of a Media Work Area and a Media Conference room where team press conferences can be held by any competing country.

Access to the International Zone of the CommonwealthGamesVillage will be managed via a GuestPass system. Guest Passes will be issued from the Guest Pass Office and operate on a first come first serve basis. Media will need to exchange their Games accreditation for the Media Guest pass. The passes are issued on a 2 hour rotational basis, therefore once a guest pass is issued the media representative has a two hour period within the International zone before the pass must be returned.

The Commonwealth Games Arrangements Act 2001 states that a person must not broadcast telecast or transmit any sound or image of a Commonwealth Games event, or make any sound recording or film television, video or digital recording of a Commonwealth Games event for profit or gain unless it has been authorised by Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation (M2006) or unless a determination has been made that an authorisation is not required.

International copyright law also covers television broadcasts and sound broadcasts of Commonwealth Games events.Copyright may be infringed by making a film or other copy of the visual images comprised in a television broadcast, by making a recording or other copy of the sounds comprised in a television or sound broadcast, or by re-broadcasting or otherwise communicating to the public a television or sound broadcast.

M2006 will make a determination that authorisation is not required in relation to certain Commonwealth Games events, including the Queens Baton Relay and the Cultural Program (except for 7pm-12pm on March 15 2006).Copies of the determination will be available from M2006 once made.

M2006 will authorise broadcasting either through its contractual arrangements with rights-holders, or through news access rules for non-rights holders.Separate news access rules will apply for television, radio, and mobile and internet both for Australia and international territories.

Rate Card Services wishes to thank all those customers who have placed Orders with M2006. The Rate Card services team will confirm details of the orders placed with Melbourne 2006 shortly.

We would like to remind anyone considering using a Wireless Local Area Network (WLANS) of the following from our Rate Card (P49):

“Customers who wish to install WLANs will be required to receive approval from M2006. Customers shall submit detailed proposals of the proposed installation to the Rate Card Services Team prior to 1 December 2005 for review and approval.”

Furthermore any additions to existing Orders are subject to availability and a 25% surcharge (Rate Card P11) and Order Cancellation penalties now apply (Rate Card P12) – 30% penalty up until 31 January and after this date 100% penalty.

Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation (M2006) in consultation with the Department of Human Services and the Department for Victorian Communities, Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination (OCGC) has developed this Smoke-Free Policy for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games (the Games).

Policy Statement

The Victorian Government and M2006 recognise the serious health effects of passive smoking and are committed to protecting the health and well being of all people involved with the Games and to promoting a healthy smoke-free lifestyle. We also recognise that there is a high level of community expectation and support for smoke free environments.

Therefore, this Smoke-Free Policy has been designed to help protect all people involved with the Games from the harmful effects of passive smoke, to promote smoke-free lifestyles particularly among youth and to meet community expectations for smoke-free environments.

For the duration of the Games, smoking will not be permitted at Games venues, the Games Village, restricted competition and training areas, media, press and production areas, Games transport vehicles, administration and office areas; and at official Games functions. In addition, no tobacco product can be sold, advertised or promoted within any Games venue.

This policy also supports a number of tobacco related legislative reforms introduced in Victoria in recent years. Further reforms are being introduced in Victoria on 1 March 2006 to coincide with the commencement of the Games.

A smoke-free enforcement protocol will operate during the Games to assist Games staff, volunteers, officials and representatives to ensure high compliance with the Smoke-Free Policy. Games staff and volunteers will be provided with training devoted to the Smoke-Free Policy and its enforcement.

This Smoke-Free Policy will apply:

1.at all Games Venues other than the Village from the date accreditation is required for entry to the venue to 29 March 2006; and

2.at the GamesVillage, from 28 February to 29 March 2006.

Smoke-Free Areas

For the duration of the Games, smoking will not be permitted other than in designated outdoor smoking areas at Games Venues and the GamesVillage which will be provided where practicable.

“Games Venues” includes all areas for which accreditation or a ticket is required for entry including sporting and non-sporting venues (other than the GamesVillage).

The following will be smoke-free areas:

Games Venues including all:

enclosed Games facilities, amenities and places of public access;

seating areas, circulation, thoroughfares and queuing areas;

bars, restaurants, cafés and dining areas;

outdoor areas within Games venues that are not designated smoking areas; and

The GamesVillage including all:

bedrooms;

living quarters

catering and dining areas; and

other indoor and outdoor areas.

Due to the risk of fire, the State Mountain Bike Course (Lysterfield Park) and Wellsford Rifle Range (Bendigo), will be entirely smoke-free at all times.

Imagine a place where you can experience just about anything. From state-of-the-art museums to places of historical signiﬁcance. From cultural icons to sporting events that grab the world’s attention. Believe it or not, Victoria offers all of the above plus a lot more. Check out some of the things we think are not to be missed.

Walk along the YarraRiver

The YarraRiver divides the city between north and south and has many walking and bike tracks. Sample a slice of Melbourne’s café culture and grab a delicious coffee, watch the rowers gliding past, and get a feel for the city as it rouses itself for another day.

Visit the Melbourne Observation Deck and see the Games venues from up high

Take the high-speed lift to Level 55 of the Rialto for the Melbourne Observation Deck. Get set for spectacular 360-degree views of Melbourne and the surrounding area, and if hunger strikes, grab a snack at Café 55.

See some great masters at the National Gallery of Victoria

At the recently refurbished NGV International, discover artistic wonders from all over the globe and touring exhibitions by acknowledged masters. At Federation Square, The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia houses an impressive collection, with more Australian art on permanent display than in any other gallery in the world.

Check out funky Federation Square

The size of a city block, Federation Square is Melbourne’s new public heart. Home of the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, it’s a cultural hotspot in a culture-rich city. The bold, contemporary architecture is well supported by some of Victoria’s most impressive restaurants, wine bars and cafés. It is also the home of the Melbourne Visitor Centre.

Explore the Melbourne Museum, which is also part taking part of Festival Melbourne

Melbourne’s award-winning museum is situated in CarltonGardens next to the historic World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building. MelbourneMuseum is an exciting and innovative attraction – including permanent and touring exhibitions, dynamic performances and events, cafés, IMAX Theatre and gift shop.

Eat and explore the Queen Victoria Market

The Queen Victoria Market officially opened in 1878 and has been serving Melburnians for 120 years. Sprawled over seven hectares, it is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere and an historic landmark. Factor in the miles of homewares, clothing and souvenirs and you have one of Melbourne’s most enticing destinations. Take a tour and discover this food lover’s paradise.

Drop in for a tour of the Arts Centre

It is home to Australia’s premier performing arts companies, before turning along Southbank Promenade. Watch the Crown Entertainment Complex rise into view, ﬁlled with world-class shopping and entertainment options. Turn around, unpack the camera and marvel at the wonderful views back across the river to the city.

Join the hip crowd at St Kilda Beach

St Kilda beach on a Friday night out, a laid-back Sunday morning breakfast in funky Acland or Fitzroy streets, or a sunset stroll. Perhaps make a weekend stop at LunaPark for some rollercoaster fun, or catch some live music at the Palais.

See a koala at the Melbourne Zoo

Opened in 1862, Melbourne Zoo is the oldest in Australia. More than 350 animal species from around the world are on display in the zoo’s attractive enclosures and botanic settings.

Shop in Flinders Lane

This narrow street, once the centre of the city’s rag trade, has become a shopping destination for the hip and happening. Fashionistas should take note of distinctly Melbourne boutiques like Christine (selling fashion and accessories from the eccentric to the exquisite) and Alice Euphemia (experimental designs by young and emerging designers).